North Rim Ranches

Innovative science-based partnership for the Grand Canyon region

Across 850,000 acres on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, the Trust, with a ranching family, federal and state agencies, universities, and hundreds of volunteers, is leading a unique public-private partnership to restore and protect the ecological and scenic integrity of this magnificent landscape. Through a combination of managed grazing, scientific research, and inspiring education, our pioneering partnership has moved management from conflict to consensus and led to healthier, more resilient lands. And, we are busy training the next generation of conservation leaders through field-based education that connects people to this compelling place.

We've got 850,000 acres of responsibilities, but you can't manage what you don't understand and science gives us the tools to learn about the land.

North Rim Ranches - Building long-lasting collaborative

Grand Canyon Trust

Building long-lasting collaborative research and stewardship

Our Research and Stewardship Partnership is a proving ground for innovative research and collaboration between a conservation group, a ranching family, a host of federal and state land managers and several universities. It is a national example of how to work together using smart science in support of people and the land.

North Rim Ranches - Reconnecting wildlife habitat

Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Antelope Jackrabbit (Lepus alleni)

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

American Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)

Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)

Map showing wildlife connectivity in Arizona

Northern Arizona University

Reconnecting wildlife habitat

Animals need healthy habitat and that means landscapes that are connected, protected and restored. Scientists and volunteers use motion-activated camera traps to learn where mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mule deer and other animals roam. From fence removal to spring restoration in otherwise parched landscapes, we reconnect animals to their homes. Read our 3-part blog series ›

North Rim Ranches - Adapting to a Changing Climate

Cerissa Hoglander

Adapting to a changing climate

Across the Colorado Plateau, climate change challenges us to adapt to hotter, drier conditions. At the North Rim Ranches, we are not waiting for the next drought; we have mapped climate hotspots and identified ways to help support resilient responses by species, ecosystems and the people that depend on them.

North Rim Ranches - Designing Education for Future Leaders

Grand Canyon Trust

Designing education for future leaders

Who will lead in the future? We are building an education program at the North Rim Ranches that will inspire future conservation leaders through direct knowledge of the land. We want young people to gain the tools to support healthy landscapes across the Colorado Plateau and nationwide.

North Rim Ranches - Our Role

Our Role

As a grazing permittee, we use science to support conservation-focused land management on the North Rim Ranches (formerly the Kane and Two Mile Ranches). We strive for sustainable livestock grazing, fire-safe forests, invasive species control, wildlife connectivity, and climate adaptation. Our active learning and outreach program trains future conservation leaders.

Our Solutions Title

Our Solutions

North Rim Ranches - Our Solutions

Sponsor New Science

We are applying innovative, on-the-ground research to answer questions about sustainable grazing, wildlife habitat connectivity, cheatgrass invasions, and wildfire control.

Understand Climate Change

After identifying climate impacts on the ranches, we are crafting strategies to protect and restore wildlife, water resources, and ecosystem services, while promoting healthy grazing practices.

Field-based Education

The ranches’ vast spaces inspire people. We are educating the next generation of conservation leaders and designing an on-site learning center with a compelling curriculum to match the measure of the land.